I hear that you, my
esteemed Collin, are willing to fulfil my greatest wish and your
own intention. However much I should like to express to you in
person my delight at this, yet I still have rather a lot to do.
Attribute my omission to this alone - and not to any lack of attentiveness
to you - Here is 'Armide". As soon as you have made sufficient
use of it, please return it to me, as it does not belong to me
-
Your
sincere admirer
Beethoven